Ready to upgrade your keyboard or guitar — or surprise a loved one with a new instrument for the holidays?

Black Friday offers plenty of deals on musical instruments and gear that could bring these normally expensive items into your budget. You'll also find plenty of "starter" guitars for incredibly low prices if you want to see if your kids' new hobby sticks. Here's where to look.

Best retailers for Black Friday deals on instruments and gear

Guitar Center: Perhaps the best-known musical instrument retailer, Guitar Center offers a strong Black Friday sale every year. Expect product-specific deals that offer deep discounts on instruments, amps, speakers and more plus a more general coupon for 15% of more off a total purchase of a certain amount ($199 in past years).

Music & Arts: The national chain offers guitars, band and orchestra instruments, audio equipment and more. Its Black Friday sale tends to be heavy on guitars, but, in past years it's offered coupons for as much as 20% off purchases of more than $199. That could be a huge discount on a big-ticket item.